TOMF Architectural Tour: The & Kin Conservatory, a unique event venue in the KZN Midlands

The Old Mushroom Farm in the KZN Midlands is full of hidden gems, and one of its most captivating, but lesser-known, spaces is the & Kin Conservatory. This glass and steel hothouse is a unique event venue KZN Midlands and home to a stunning collection of potted succulents, all lovingly propagated by Mandy Crooks. Her passion for these resilient plants shines through not only in the garden beds around the farm but also in her artistic work as a painter and photographer.

The conservatory is a visual feast for plant lovers and architecture enthusiasts alike. It is an elegant, lofty structure made of glass and steel, two of Nick’s favourite building materials besides bricks. Light pours in the glass-paned ceiling while keeping the interior dry- a perfect climate for the succulents housed inside. These hardy plants, with their diverse forms and unique textures, are fascinating to examine. We highly recommend a stroll through the hothouse for a moment of quiet reflection during your TOMF visit. Mandy's succulents come from her extensive personal collection, where each one has been carefully selected and nurtured over the years.

Mandy’s garden at home is gorgeous- it's been featured on the cover of magazines and in Open Garden events- and her love for succulents goes beyond gardening still; they are a constant source of inspiration for her creative endeavours. Captured through her lens, recreated in one of her detailed paintings, or bursting from the garden beds, one might fondly describe Mandy as succulent-obsessed. Mandy’s passion is a steady one- these plants mirror her rootedness and calm presence. Spending time in the conservatory at The Old Mushroom Farm feels like stepping into one of her art pieces.

The succulents in the & Kin Conservatory are rightfully drawing the spotlight, but it’s worth remembering that the space primarily functions as an exquisite, modern event venue. The conservatory is an annexe to the & Kin Event Space. It is a perfect nook for intimate gatherings, a break room for large corporate conferences, or creative workshops seeking an outdoor feel. The potted succulents against the Crooks Concrete tiled floor and bright natural lighting make it a very photogenic space- an ideal setting for any special occasion. 

Back in the mushroom farming days, the & Kin building was an open farm shed- the steel skeleton of which can still be seen between the brickwork. The long slender ‘trough’ running streamlined with the Conservatory used to be a plenum chamber, a chemical-resistant insulated chamber, used for mushroom compost conditioning. Hay bales were stacked high and an aroma of damp loam filled the air. 

Nick, owner and architect, has made it his mission to transform unused farm buildings and infrastructure into people-oriented spaces. He has converted industrial, utilitarian structures into intentionally designed and aesthetically pleasing architecture. Architectural richness is one of the things that make The Old Mushroom Farm, Howick, such a unique and interesting destination in the Midlands Meander.

Curiosity is encouraged here at The Old Mushroom Farm. We invite you to explore. Whether you're drawn to the & Kin Conservatory for the succulents, the architecture or a special occasion we recommend peeking around corners, inspiration awaits!

Check out the Venue Hire section of our website for more details on how to book the & Kin event space.